When the Coronavirus shut us down, clubs and festivals ceased, and everyone was essentially forced inside with no definitive end in sight, DJ Times wondered: How is our tribe coping? How are DJs getting by? So, we sent out our “Coronavirus Questionnaire” to DJ/producers from all musical genres to find out.
During the crisis, DJ Times will be presenting the questionnaire responses from talented music-makers from all over the world. Here’s our latest installment, this time from Scandinavia: Finnish trance star Darude (aka Ville Virtanen).
What’s it like where are? Finland has been locked down for some days now and our family, like many others, have been self-isolating already for a couple of weeks. Our days are now getting adjusted to the new normal, which means home-schooling for our son and as normal as possible work routine for my wife and myself. When I’m not on the road, it’s not that different from the self-quarantine life, except now we don’t go to our hobbies like usual, and we don’t see our friends and family up close, of course.
What income-producing work have you lost? Pretty much like every other DJ and performer, I don’t have any gigs in my calendar for the foreseeable future.
Are you doing anything now that can or will produce music-related income? I will continue working on new music as always. But, in this current world crisis, I find that connection with people is important, so I’m going to continue to develop what I started with streaming a few years ago. I’ll be streaming my own studio productions and writing sessions, plus DJ sets, live Q&As, production & DJing hints and tips, chats with my colleagues and perhaps people from other industries, too. Might even find me chatting direct with viewers as well.
What are you doing now that’s ultimately constructive to your music life/career? Trying to keep fit, stay sane, love my wife and kids, and help people in any way I can – and of course, keep on making music and learning something new every day.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve realized during this period of social distancing? How hard it is for some people to follow instructions from local authorities. No one likes social distancing, but it is necessary for everyone to do their part and stay home for the greater good. We all need to take this seriously – especially for our healthcare workers and risk groups that depend on each one of us to do so.
Where can we find you streaming online? You can find me on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch.
Any theme tunes recommended for the moment? Aside from new Darude tracks? [laughs] “Ba55 Camp” by Genix, “Rooftops” by Super 8 & Tab feat. Christina Novelli, and “Sucker for Love” (Lumïsade Balearic Mix) by Armin van Buuren & Avalan.
Any advice on staying sane & relatively positive through this situation? #staythef**khome #benice #washyourhands #wellgetthruthis
To check out more Life in Lockdown features, click here.
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